The month of February reminds us to seek out stories and histories, and recognize the significance of black history. Take these ideas to heart and practice them as you honor Black History Month.

Unemployment benefits, including UC, PEUC, FPUC, and PUA, all count as income for federal tax purposes. You should receive a 1099-G form in the mail that you will submit with your tax return.

However, unemployment benefits do not count as income for Pennsylvania taxes. (Click here for more information)

WHYY - Increasingly, people across the U.S. are struggling to pay their utility bills as the price of electricity soars because of supply costs and an increased demand from sources like data centers.

Gas bills are also on the rise, with Philadelphia Gas Works customers facing a $6 increase on average to their monthly bills, starting Dec. 1.
The effects are evident in states like Pennsylvania, where utility shutoffs have increased by 21% this year, leaving ratepayers in the dark.

The termination of a person’s utilities can have dire consequences, especially for kids, older ratepayers and people living with chronic health conditions.

“A shutoff in a very cold month can not only lead to health consequences for the household living in very, very cold conditions, it can also lead to structural damage to the home because the loss of utilities during those times can cause pipes to burst and all sorts of other things,” said Sarah Spangler Rhine, deputy director at Community Legal Aid Society in Delaware.